It was part of a lengthy, and profanity-filled, speech in which Stern, true to form, simultaneously praised and mocked the group, the first of this year's class to be inducted tonight. She added that Bon Jovi should also be in the Hall of Fame for "wife-picking".

After belting out a vocally challenged "Wanted Dead or Alive" and leading the crowd in a singalong, Stern thanked all of rock "n" roll, then turned toward his longtime friends. "We help people get through".

Brothers Mark and David Knopfler, of English rockers Dire Straits, won't attend the event, according to bassist John Illsley.

Last month, lead singer Mark Knopfler expressed frustration with the Rock Hall to a Cleveland reporter in an online forum, saying that he was refusing to come because the Hall would not pay his travel expenses.

But he said the Cars provided him entertainment while growing up in a small Utah town in a Mormon household.

"We did it mom!", he said, earning cheers from the audience.

Simone, who won induction on her first nomination, was widely considered one of the most influential singers of the 20th century who brought the sensibilities of classical music to gospel and jazz. The ceremony will air May 5 on HBO.